Spring Planting Season: Select the Right Tree

Selection of trees for planting in a home landscape depends on the desired effect and the purpose the trees will satisfy in the landscape, explains Tchukki Andersen, staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association.

“Will they attract birds to the area?” she asks. “Shade a patio? Screen an unsightly view? Enhance the appearance of the home? Identify an entrance or exit? Trees can provide contrast and relief from surrounding buildings and create seasonal interest in areas near the home,” says Andersen.

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TCIA advises homeowners to consider the following factors when selecting a tree:

hardiness (ability of the plant to survive extremes of winter cold and summer heat)

mature height and spread

growth rate

cleanliness

type of root system

moisture requirements

space available above ground and below ground

maintenance requirements

availability

ornamental effects, such as branching habit, texture, and color of bark, flower, fruit and foliage; and whether the tree is evergreen or deciduous

A professional tree care company can help you determine which tree species both performs well in your local area and is suited to your desired planting site. Arborists often do a close analysis of the specific planting site to determine the susceptibility or resistance to environmental conditions, such as:

disease and insect problems that may limit your selections

the prior use of the planting site

soil conditions, such as poor drainage, and high or low pH, soil nutrition

the presence or absence of channelized winds

the location of utilities, both above and below ground, because they are site conditions that dictate plant choice and location

the relationship of the plant to roads, walkways and security lighting

Is there enough space to plant a tree?
The space available at the specific site and mature tree size are important considerations and addressing these limits will go a long way toward reducing maintenance costs. Do not plant trees that will grow 25 feet or taller under or near overhead power lines. Do not forget the underground utilities. Out-of-sight does not mean that they would not have to be serviced at some point. Call 811 for the national “Call before you dig” hotline before selecting a planting site. Permanent plantings such as trees should be spaced to allow utility service. Ground-level utility structures such as transformers and individual service connections require space to be serviced. A minimum of 10 feet clearance after the tree has grown to maturity will help avoid any possible electrical hazards.

Where to plant
Community ordinances may restrict planting of trees near power lines, parking strips, street lights, sewers, traffic control signs and signals, sidewalks and property lines. Municipalities may require planting permits for trees planted on city property. City codes often require that trees on city property be maintained by the city, so citizens planting an improper selection can cause problems for themselves and the municipality.

Find a professional
A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best trees and shrubs to plant. Contact the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938. It has more than 2,000 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance.

TCIA has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the “Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies” program. You can use this service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a ZIP Code search on www.treecaretips.org.